The first-ever ITF Beach Tennis Tour event in Hong Kong concluded with resounding success, showcasing thrilling matches, outstanding performances, and attracting a diverse new crowd. This year’s inaugural event set the new yardstick for future audience engagement, player participation, and competitive spirit.
Former world No. 8 Maks Andersons of Latvia and Sergey Gvardeitsev of Malta defeated Japanese duo Sho Kishi and Yuma Shimizu 6-4 6-3 in the final to lift the men’s title. Earlier in the quarterfinals, Andersons and Gvardeitsev came from a set down to oust Hong Kong’s No. 7 seed Arnault Brac de la Perriere and Anthony Caillaud 3-6 6-2 [10-8] before knocking out top-seeded Satoshi Goda and Kengo Masuda 6-3 6-3 in the semis.
On the women’s side, No. 1 seed Eri Homma and Erina Otsuka of Japan justified their top billing by overcoming the competition without dropping a set, culminating with a victory in the final against No. 2 seed Prakaikan Sawisit and Nikarat Wateenukit of Thailand 6-1 6-1.
Held at Tai Pak Beach, Discovery Bay, it is a stunning destination known for its natural beauty and family-friendly atmosphere. Stretching some 400 meters, this sandy beach offers a picturesque setting along the sparkling waters of the South China Sea, making it a popular spot for both locals and tourists.
“We are thrilled to bring the excitement of ITF Beach Tennis to Hong Kong for the first time,” said HKCTA’s ITF Beach Tennis Committee Chair, Mr. Philip Mok. “This tournament marks a significant milestone in the global growth of the sport, and we are confident that the vibrant energy of Hong Kong will provide the perfect backdrop for world-class competition. We look forward to inspiring new fans and players while showcasing the dynamic, fast-paced nature of beach tennis on this spectacular stage.”
The tournament witnessed participation from over 150 competitors representing 28 countries, emphasizing the sport’s expanding international appeal.
Arnault Brac de la Perriere and Anthony Caillaud, the only players from Hong Kong to hold an ITF Beach Tennis men’s ranking at present, took the opening set against eventual champions, Andersons and Gvardeitsev, before they were narrowly defeated in a third set super-tiebreak.
On the women’s side, Charmaine Chau is currently the only local player to hold a women’s world ranking. She partnered Aleksandra Bankova Bellver of Bulgaria and reached the quarterfinals before they were ousted by No. 4 seed Hiromi Okazaki and Miku Onishi of Japan 7-6(5) 6-4.
This weekend’s beach tennis events places Hong Kong on the international beach tennis map, showcasing the city’s ability to host world-class sporting events. It highlights Hong Kong’s commitment to promoting diverse sports and attracting global talent. It showed that beach tennis can foster community engagement and promotes a healthy, active lifestyle. It can provide a unique opportunity for local residents to experience a new sport and participate in related activities.
Introducing beach tennis at this level in Hong Kong helps in the development and popularisation of the sport within the region. Moreover, it encourages local participation and provides a platform for aspiring athletes to compete at an international level.
The first-ever ITF Beach Tennis Tour events in Hong Kong were well-received and underlined the sport’s potential to grow and its ability to captivate new audiences. It also aligns with the mission to host the biggest beach tennis events in Asia by 2026, paving the way for larger and more prestigious competitions.
Follow ITF Beach Tennis news for upcoming tournaments and relive the best moments by visiting the official website https://www.itftennis.com/en/news-and-media/articles/?categoryId=beach-tennis.
For further inquiries:
Bobo Fong
Hong Kong, China Tennis Association
Email: bobo.fong@tennishk.org
WhatsApp: (+852) 9803 6368
Zoe Lo
Hong Kong, China Tennis Association
Email: zoe.lo@tennishk.org
WhatsApp: (+852) 6280 3496
(Last updated on 8 April 2025)